Asli amil baba in Karachi Pakistan and best astrologer Black magic specialist
Practicekarma[1]
1. PRACTICE OF
KARMA YOGA
By
SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA
SERVE, LOVE, GIVE,
PURIFY, MEDITATE,
REALIZE
So Says
Sri Swami Sivananda
Sri Swami Sivananda
Founder of
The Divine Life Society
A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION
3. OM
Dedicated to all selfless, motiveless,
disinterested workers of the world who are
struggling hard to get knowledge of the
Self by purifying their minds, by getting
Chitta Suddhi through Nishkama
Karma Yoga
OM
4. PUBLISHERS’ NOTE
The nectar-like teachings of His Holiness Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati, the
incomparable saint of the Himalayas, famous in song and legend, are too well-known to the
intelligent public as well as to the earnest aspirant of knowledge Divine. Their aim and object is
nothing but emancipation from the wheel of births and deaths through absorption of the Jiva with
the supreme Soul. Now, this emancipation can be had only through right knowledge.
It is an undisputed fact that it is almost a Herculean task for the man in the street, blinded as
he is by worldly desires of diverse kinds, to forge his way to realisation of God. Not only is it his
short-sightedness that stands in the way but innumerable other difficulties and obstacles hamper the
progress onward towards the goal. He is utterly helpless until someone who has successfully
trodden the path, comes to his aid or rescue, takes him by the hand, leads him safely through the
inextricable traps and pitfalls of worldly temptation and desires, and finally brings him to his
destination which is the crowning glory of the be-all and end-all of life, where all suffering ceases
and all quest comes to an end. This realisation is nothing but the knowing of the self as the real Self,
the one without a second.
This volume is, as the title will show, a book that has been carefully prepared for the benefit
of those who are intricately placed in life that they cannot tread the path of renunciation or
Sannyasa. Certainly, unless one cleanses the augean stables of his mind and expurgates all
impurities through selfless and disinterested service while living amid the toil and moil of the
world, he will find himself in a fool’s paradise, when he puts on the second orange-coloured garb to
follow the path of renunciation. So one has to do Karma Yoga first ceaselessly and untiringly, and
develop all noble qualities such as cosmic love, endurance, nobility and Brahmacharya, and thus
equip himself for the great ensuing battle royal, and finally come out the victor.
The present work, Practice of Karma Yoga, coming as it does, from the inspired and
enlightened pen of Swami Sivanandaji, is, as usual, a safe and sound guide to reach the goal in view
of the aspirant. Those who have had the good fortune to know of Sri Swami Sivanandaji and his
writings—from the biggest volume to the sixteen-page pamphlet distributed free to those who ask
and those who do not ask—will agree with us how infallible his writings are, how simple and lucid
is the language he employs in order that what he writes may be accessible not only to the university
graduate, but also to him or her who has a working knowledge of English, and how sincere and
earnest the author is in his unquenchable thirst to be even a ‘particle’ of service to his brethren.
Pregnant with the magnetism of a Jivanmukta or liberated sage, they cannot but uplift the seeker
after Truth to ineffable heights of spiritual glory, bliss and peace.
THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
iv
5. PREFACE
There are altogether eight chapters in this book. The first chapter treats of the Yoga of
service. Such interesting and important subjects as what is poised reason, how to find out right and
wrong action, what is Nishkamya Karma Yoga, the qualifications of a Karma Yogi, work is
worship, the Yoga of equanimity, etc., are dealt with lucidly. The articles entitled ‘Health and
Yoga’ and ‘Secret of Karma Yoga’ are of vital importance and interest. One should never forget the
idea that work is worship of God. If one remembers this fact, all work will be found very interesting.
The terms ‘menial service’, ‘this work is bad’, ‘that work is good’, will be obliterated from the
mind. You will find that all work, when done with the right mental attitude or Bhava, will elevate
your mind.
The second chapter deals with universal laws. A knowledge of these laws of Nature will
help the young aspirant to turn out more efficient and solid work within a short space of time; it will
infuse discrimination and force him to do virtuous actions, always taking care to avoid all evil
actions. He will clearly understand that there is perfect order in the universe in everything. Even a
rank materialist will be induced to realise the glory of the Lord, the Law-giver, who is hidden in
these names and forms.
The third chapter deals with what is known as Svadharma. The practice of Svadharma
brings one Moksha and exaltation. A fine description of the three Gunas or qualities of Nature and
their operation is given here. An understanding of these Gunas will be of inestimable value to the
practitioner of Karma Yoga. He can develop Sattvic virtues and eradicate Rajas and Tamas. The
article ‘Instructions for Aspirants’ contains many valuable practical hints. Every aspirant should
study these instructions very carefully daily in the morning before he starts his work. This will
enable him to equip himself for the ensuing battle of daily life. He will indeed be better armed with
wisdom, spiritual force and discrimination; he can thereby ward off very many obstacles that stand
in the way of his daily work.
Though man feels he is weak and helpless at times, he is in reality the master of his own
destiny. He can counteract dark forces of evil tendencies and can command Nature through right
exertion or Purushartha. The subject is dealt with in the fourth chapter.
‘Karma and Reincarnation’ is the title of the fifth chapter. Here there is a description of the
various kinds of Karmas. I would like you to understand that sin is nothing but a mistake only.
There is no such thing as ‘horrible crime’ or ‘heinous sin’ in the light of knowledge or higher
philosophy. Many people worry themselves that they have committed serious crimes and
consequently become prey to the haunting thoughts of the so-called sin. One should never say: “I
am a great sinner.” On the contrary he should assert: “I am eternally the pure Atman.” Purity is your
birthright. In essence thou art the most sacred Atman. Feel this, feel this! The article on the doctrine
of reincarnation contains convincing, cogent, logical, forcible and sound arguments in support of
rebirth.
In the sixth chapter I have stated that neophytes should combine action and meditation and
that those who can meditate for twenty-four hours are very, very rare, and that such people should
take to exclusive meditation in the solitary caves of the Himalayan jungles. I have made a sincere
v
6. and whole-hearted appeal to whole-timed Sannyasins to organise their order of life and start doing
service to the country in various forms according to the temperament, taste and capacity of the
individual. This is the dire need of the present hour. Not very long ago Mahatma Gandhi himself
once appealed to the Sannyasins at Hardwar in this regard and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the then
President of the Indian National Congress addressed a mammoth meeting of Sadhus and
Sannyasins last year at the same place and in a similar strain. As no real service can be done without
Brahmacharya, I have added a small article on this subject towards the end of the chapter.
The seventh chapter is allotted to ‘Karma Yoga in the Gita’. The articles ‘Prakriti does
Everything’, ‘Action and Inaction’, ‘Scope for Personal Exertion’, ‘Action and Actor’,
‘Self-surrender’, and ‘Karma Yoga is better than Renunciation of Action’, make the chapter
complete. I want my readers to read this chapter over and over and understand the full significance
of Karma Yoga.
The eighth chapter makes the book really useful. You have some very illuminating and
inspiring stories which have been chosen with care and added in the hope that the book will be of
practical utility to the readers. These stories inculcate the principles of self-sacrifice and present to
the householders some really elevating and inspiring ideals.
As the maintenance of the spiritual diary is nowhere more needed than when practising
Karma Yoga, I have added a brief note on how such a diary should be maintained, together with the
table which has also been appended therewith.
I appeal with folded hands to the readers of this book to start practising Karma Yoga in right
earnest after digesting and assimilating the truths and ideals that are inculcated herein. May the
indweller of our hearts, the omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent Isvara grant you all strength,
peace, spiritual power, discrimination, alertness, far-sightedness to practise Karma Yoga and to
realise the grand truths of the Upanishads after getting Chitta Suddhi through incessant and untiring
selfless service, is the humble and earnest prayer of thy sevak and comrade.
Sivananda
ONLY GOD I SAW
When I surveyed from Ananda Kutir, Rishikesh,
By the side of the Tehri Hills, only God I saw.
In the Ganges and the Kailas peak,
In the famous Chakra Tirtha of Naimisar also, only God I saw.
In the Dedhichi Kand of Misrik,
In the sacred Triveni of Prayag Raj too, only God I saw.
In the Maya Kund of Rishikesh and
In the springs of Badri, Yamunotri and Gauri-Kund to boot, only God I saw.
In tribulation and in grief, in joy and in glee,
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7. In sickness and in sorrow, only God I saw.
In birds and dogs, in stones and trees,
In flowers and fruits, in the sun, moon and stars, only God I saw.
In the rosy cheeks of Kashmiri ladies,
In the ugly faces of African negroes, only God I saw.
In filth and scents, in poison and dainties,
In the market and in society, only God I saw.
In trains and cars, in aeroplanes and steamers,
In Jutkas and dandies, in tumtums and landan, only God I saw.
I talked to the flowers, they smiled and nodded,
I conversed with the running brooks, they verily responded, only God I saw.
In prayer and fasting, in praise and meditation,
In Japa and Asana, in Tratak and concentration, only God I saw.
In Pranayama and Nauli, in Bhasti and Neti,
In Dhouti and Vajroli, in Bhastrika and Kundalini, only God I saw.
In Brahmakara Vritti and Vedantic Nididhyasana,
In Atmic Vichara and Atmic Chintana, only God I saw.
In Kirtan and Nama Smaran, in Sravana and Vandana,
In Archana and Padasevana, in Dasya and Atmanivedana, only God I saw.
Like camphor I was melting in His fire of knowledge,
Amidst the flames outflashing, only God I saw.
My Prana entered the Brahmarandhra at the Moordha,
Then I looked with God’s eyes, only God I saw.
I passed away into nothingness, I vanished,
And lo, I was the all-living, only God I saw.
I enjoyed the Divine Aisvarya, all God’s Vibhutis,
I had Visvaroopa Darshan, the Cosmic Consciousness, only God I saw.
Glory, glory unto the Lord, hail! hail! hail! O sweet Ram.
Let me sing once more Thy Name—Ram Ram Ram, Om, Om, Om, only God I saw.
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8. UNIVERSAL PRAYER
O Lord! I do want to serve the world disinterestedly and practise Nishkama Karma Yoga to
get Chitta Suddhi. I am sometimes perplexed, agitated and depressed. I am in a dilemma. I do not
know what to do. I have no clear idea of right and wrong. I have no knowledge of the Sastras and the
Smritis. I do not know Sanskrit, Laghu nor Sidhanta Kaumudi. I have no training to hear Thy shrill
inner voice.
This world is full of apparent contradictions, paradoxes and puzzles, peculiar troubles and
difficulties. This world is peculiar. Thou hast given me a peculiar mind with peculiar habits. Nay,
this world is full of temptations. I have no strength to resist temptations, public opinions, criticisms,
oppressions, pressures and even assaults. I am not able to please anybody to the fullest extent.
Enemies do crop up, though I keep quiet, though I do not interfere with anybody.
O sweet adorable One! Give me strength to control the restless turbulent Indriyas and the
mind that ever wanders. Stand behind me always and guide me in every inch of my action. Give me
good Preranas (thoughts). Give me Chitta Suddhi. Give me a calm, pure and balanced mind. O
Lord, give me light, knowledge and purity. Om. Om. Om.
SIVA MANASA POOJA
Sri Sankaracharya
Mental Worship Of Siva
1. O Lord! Thou ocean of mercy, O Pasupati! Do accept these offerings conceived in my
mind, viz., a Simhasana adorned with precious rubies, a pleasant cool bath, a splendid garment
adorned with various gems, sandal-paste scented with musk, a garland made up of jasmine,
Champaka flowers and Bilva leaves, incense and light.
2. O Lord! Kindly accept ghee, kheer, the fivefold food; plantain mixed with milk and curd,
sherbert, various kinds of vegetables, palatable water, a brilliant piece of camphor and betel—all
these food-offerings placed in a golden vessel which is bedecked with nine kinds of precious jewels
which are conceived in my mind out of devotion to Thee.
3. The umbrella, two Chamaras, a fan and a clean mirror, the music of the flute, the
kettledrum, the Mridanga and the horn, singing and dancing, prostrations of the eight limbs of the
body, various hymns and prayers—all these which I have thought of in my mind, I duly offer to
Thee. Do accept my worship, O my Lord!
4. Thou art the Atman, Buddhi is Thy consort Parvathy (who is born of the mountain), the
Pranas Thy attendants, this body Thy temple, the action of sensual enjoyments Thy worship, deep
viii
9. sleep is the remaining in Samadhi, walking by my feet is perambulation around Thee, all my
speeches are Thy praises, whatever actions I perform are Thy worship, O Sambho?
5. O Lord! Forgive all the sins that are committed by the hands and feet or the tongue
(speech) and the body, or the ears and eyes, or the mind, whether Vihita (lawful) or Avihita
(forbidden). Glory be unto Thee, Thou ocean of mercy! Glory be unto Thee, O Mahadeva (God of
gods)! O Sambho (bestower of happiness).
INTRODUCTION
It must be remembered that Karma, Bhakti, Yoga and Jnana do not mutually exclude each
other. Karma Yoga leads to Bhakti Yoga which in its turn leads to Raja Yoga. Raja Yoga brings
Jnana. Para Bhakti is Jnana only. Bhakti, it must be borne in mind, is not divorced from Jnana. On
the contrary, Jnana intensifies Bhakti. Karma purifies the heart. Bhakti removes the tossing of the
mind. Raja Yoga steadies the mind and destroys Sankalpas. Every Yoga is a fulfilment of the
preceding one. Bhakti is the fulfilment of Karma, Yoga (i.e., Raja Yoga) of Bhakti and Karma, and
Jnana of all the preceding three.
The practice of Karma Yoga prepares the aspirant for the reception of knowledge of the
Self. It makes him a proper Adhikari (aspirant) for the study of Vedanta. Ignorant people jump at
once to Jnana Yoga, without first having a preliminary training in Karma Yoga. That is the reason
why they fail miserably to realise the Truth. The impurities lurk in the fourfold mind
(Antahkarana). The mind is filled with likes and dislikes, jealousy, etc. They only talk of Brahman.
They indulge in all sorts of useless controversies, vain debates and dry, endless discussions. Their
philosophy is only on their lips. In other words, they are lip-Vedantins. What is really wanted is
practical Vedanta through ceaseless, selfless service.
“Work for the sake of the work without any motive” is all very well in words. But when one
comes to the practical field, when one endeavours to put it into actual practice, he will have to
encounter countless difficulties at every step. A Jnani alone can do absolutely unselfish, motiveless
action. A Sannyasin only who has renounced the world can do selfless deeds. A householder’s mind
is saturated with many desires. He expects fruits for every action. But gradually he too can wean the
mind from expectation of rewards. It is all a question of discipline of the mind. By and by his selfish
nature will be destroyed. He will understand the glory of Nishkamya Karma Yoga. Then he will be
able to do works without any motives, without expectation of fruits of action. Of course, it is a
question of time. One must be patient and persevering.
Two things are indispensably requisite in the practice of Karma Yoga. The Karma Yogi
should have non-attachment to the fruits of actions. He will have to dedicate his actions at the altar
of God with the feeling of Isvararpana. Non-attachment brings freedom from sorrow and fear.
Non-attachment makes a man absolutely bold and fearless. When he dedicates his action at the
Lotus Feet of the Lord he develops devotion to God and approaches Him nearer and nearer. He
gradually feels that God works directly through his Indriyas or instruments. He feels no strain or
ix
10. burden in the discharge of his works now. He is quite at ease. The heavy load which he felt
previously on account of false notion has vanished out of sight now.
The doctrine of Karma forms an integral part of Vedanta. It expounds the riddle of life and
the riddle of the universe. It brings solace, satisfaction and comfort to one and all. It is a self evident
truth. Fortunately the Westerners have also begun now to acknowledge its importance and veracity.
Even the Americans have full belief in this doctrine. Every sensible man will have to accept it.
There is no other way to understand the mystery of actions. “As you sow, so shall you reap” holds
good not only in the physical plane but also in the moral world as well. Every thought and every
deed of yours generates in you certain tendencies which will affect your life herein and hereafter. If
you do good Karmas in a selfless spirit, you will soar high to the regions of bliss and peace. Karma
is the lowest rung in the spiritual ladder. But it lifts us up to ineffable, magnanimous heights. Its
glory is too great to be described. It destroys pride, selfishness and Tamas. It brings wonderful
results. It helps growth and also evolution.
Freedom is man’s birthright. Freedom is Satchidananda. Freedom is immortality. Freedom
is peace, knowledge and bliss. Consciously or unconsciously, knowingly or unknowingly, all are
attempting for this freedom. Nations are fighting in the battlefield for freedom. A robber robs for
getting freedom from want, but his movement may be crooked and circuitous. Every movement of
your foot is towards God and freedom.
You may reach the same goal by different paths. Just as you can reach Mt. Kailas by
different paths such as via Badri Narayan or Almora or Gangotri or Ladhak, so also you can reach
the goal of life by different paths, viz., the path of works (Karma Yoga), love (Bhakti Yoga),
psychic control (Raja Yoga) or self-analysis and knowledge (Jnana Yoga). Just as you can reach
Calcutta by train, car, steamer or aeroplane, so also you can reach the goal of life or your spiritual
destination by any one of these four paths. Lord Krishna says in the Gita:
Ye yatha maam prapadyante taamstathaiva bhajamyaham
Mama vartmaanuvartante manushyaah partha sarvasah.
“However men approach Me, even so do I welcome them, for the path men take from every
side, is Mine, O Partha.” Chapter IV-11.
The four divisions are not hard and fast. There are no marked demarcation lines among the
four paths. They are not cut and dried. These paths are made in accordance with the temperament or
tendency that is predominant in the individual. One path does not exclude the other. The path of
action is suitable for a man of Karmic tendency. The path of love is adapted for a man of emotional
temperament. The path of Raja Yoga is fitted for a man of mystic temperament. The path of
Vedanta or Jnana Yoga is suitable for a man of will or reason. Each path blends into the other.
Ultimately all these paths converge and become one. It is very difficult to say where Raja Yoga ends
and Jnana Yoga begins. All aspirants of different paths meet on a common platform or junction in
the long run.
A Karma Yogi does self-sacrifice to kill his little self. A Bhakta practises self-surrender to
destroy his egoism. A Jnani practises self-denial. The methods are different but all want to destroy
x
11. this little, self-arrogating ‘I’ which is the root cause of human suffering. When this is done, they
meet at the same goal or point.
Sarvam karmaakhilam Partha jnane parisamapyate.
“All actions in their entirety, O Partha, culminate in wisdom.” Gita: Chapter IV-33.
Similarly, the Bhakta gets Jnana. Lord Krishna says in the Gita: “To these devotees, ever
harmonious, worshipping in love, I give the Yoga of Discrimination by which they come unto Me.”
In chapter eighteen Lord Krishna says: “By devotion he knows Me in essence, who and what I am;
having thus known Me in essence he forthwith entereth into the Supreme.” Karma, love and Yoga
are the means to an end. Jnana is the end. Just as rivers join the sea, so also Karma, love and Yoga
join the ocean of Jnana.
Karma Yoga prepares the mind for the reception of light or knowledge. It expands the heart
and breaks all barriers that stand in the way of unity or oneness. Bhakti and meditation are also
mental Karmas. There cannot be Jnana without Yoga. The fruit of Bhakti is Jnana. Have you
understood now the nature of the four Yogas and their inter-relations?
Every action is a mixture of good and evil. There can be neither an absolutely good action
nor an absolutely bad action in this world. This physical universe is a relative plane. If you do some
action it will do some good in one corner and some evil in another corner. You must try to do such
actions that can bring maximum good and minimum of evil. Good work will produce good effect
and evil work will cause bad effect. But if you know the secret of work, the technique of Karma, you
will be absolutely free from the bondage of Karma. That secret is to work without any attachment
and egoism. The central teaching of the Gita is non-attachment to action. Lord Krishna says to
Arjuna in emphatic terms: “O Arjuna, work incessantly. Your duty is to work always. But do not
expect fruits. The lot of that man who expects fruits is pitiable indeed! He is the most miserable man
in this world.”
You cannot remove completely all the evils from this world. Just as in gout and rheumatism
the pain and swelling shift from one joint to another, just as in pyaemia and diabetes or carbuncle if
one boil is cured another crops up in another place, so also if one evil is eradicated in one place,
another evil manifests in another place. Social workers pity the lot of young widows and try to do
widow-marriages. They think that they are doing good to the country. But another evil crops
up—difficulty comes in for the marrying of other girls. They remain unmarried. This is another
evil. Social workers try to end prostitution. This is laudable work. But as passion is very powerful
and uncontrollable, those who cannot afford to marry, begin to molest and outrage family women
secretly. Even legislation cannot stop this evil. Clandestine prostitution takes place vigorously.
This world is very crooked. It is like the tail of a dog. Try to straighten the tail of a dog. As soon as
you take away your hands, it will again become crooked. So is this world. So many Avataras, so
many Yogis, Acharyas, saints and prophets have come into this world and preached. Still it is
crooked, it is in the same state. Therefore, do not bother yourself much in reforming this crooked
world. This can never be done. Reform yourself first. Then the whole world can be reformed. How
can you help the world when you are yourself weak and ignorant? It will be like a blind man leading
another blind man. Both must fall into a deep abyss.
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12. The greatest help or service that you can do to the world is imparting of knowledge of God.
Spiritual help is the highest help you can render to mankind. The root cause of human suffering is
Avidya or ignorance. If you can remove this ignorance in men, then only can they be eternally
happy. That sage who tries to remove the ignorance is the highest benefactor of the world. If you
remove the hunger of man by giving food, it is only temporary physical help. It is removal of a
physical want for three hours. Then the hunger manifests. The man remains in the same miserable
state. Building of hospitals, rest-houses and choultries for the distribution of free food, distribution
of clothes, etc. are not the highest kind of help. Miseries are not eradicated. The world will continue
to remain in a miserable state even if you build many millions of hospitals and feeding-places. Get
Brahma Jnana or divine knowledge, and distribute this knowledge everywhere and remove the
ignorance in men. Then only will all kinds of miseries, tribulations and evils be completely
eradicated.
The man who serves the world really serves himself. That man who helps others really helps
himself. This is another important point. Generally worldly-minded people are puffed up with
egoism when they render some help to others. They are filled with pride. This world does not want
the help of anybody. There is one omnipotent Isvara who controls and guides this universe. He can
immediately supply a thousand and one Tilaks, Newtons, Shakespeares, Napoleans, Valmikis and
Yudhishthiras. When you serve a man, think God has given you an opportunity to improve, correct
and mould yourself by service. Be grateful to that man who gave you a chance to serve.
Pain is the best teacher in this world. Man learns very useful lessons daily through pain,
suffering, poverty, privation and sickness. It is the eye-opener. It is a blessing in disguise. It is the
sweet messenger from God. Kunti Devi said: “O Lord Krishna! Let me always remember Thee.
Give me always pain. I may forget Thee if I get pleasure.” Bhaktas rejoice in suffering. They
welcome pain always. Stoics also do the same.
Pain corrects, educates and disciplines the soul. It infuses mercy in the heart. It develops
power of endurance and patience. It softens the hard heart. It develops the will-power. It fills the
heart with sympathy. It makes the proud man humble. It purifies the heart. Just as the iron is shaped
in the anvil by heating, so also man’s character is moulded by blows, knocks and pains. Just as
impure gold turns out to be pure by melting it in the crucible several times, so also man becomes
pure by being burnt in the furnace of pain.
Philosophy aims at finding out the cause for this pain and tries to eradicate the pain by
prescribing suitable remedies. It is chill penury that turns the mind of a man towards God. Knocks
and blows of a severe type wean the mind of a man from sensual objects and turn it towards the
spiritual path. Pain and poverty, evil and misery mould the character of a man more than pleasure
and wealth. Poverty has its own advantages. Censure and blows are better teachers than praise and
honour. Pain is a better teacher than pleasure. Poverty is better teacher than wealth. Pain and
poverty develop endurance in man. Sri Sankara, the greatest philosopher and genius the world has
ever produced was born in a very poor family. Lord Jesus was born the son of a carpenter. Poor
people exert to achieve greatness, whereas the sons of rich people lead a life of luxury and inertia.
They are happy-go-lucky. Several knocks immediately produce Viveka and Vairagya, change the
angle of vision and raise up the spiritual fire that lies within.
xii
13. The impressions of small and big actions coalesce together and form tendencies. The
tendencies develop into character. Character produces will. If a man has a strong character, he has a
strong will. Karma produces character and character in turn produces will. People of gigantic will
have developed it through Karma done in countless births. It is not in one birth that a man develops
a mighty will. He does various good actions in several births. The potencies of these actions collect
together and in one birth the struggling man bursts out as a giant like Buddha, Jesus and Sankara.
No action goes in vain. Nothing is lost. Patient, indefatigable effort is needed.
Ignorant people foolishly imagine that knowledge comes from without. It is a sad mistake.
All knowledge comes from within. This external universe is nothing. It is a mere dot or drop in
infinity. It is like the footprint of a calf. It is mere ‘Spandabhasa’ or mere vibration in one corner of
Brahman where there is Maya. What you get from outside is a simple suggestion or external
stimulus. The whole magazine of knowledge is within the Atman or the Self. The Atman is the
storehouse or Bhandara of knowledge. This external suggestion strikes against the source and
causes ignition. There flashes out knowledge. All Sadhana and Yogic practices aim at removing the
veil only. When the veil is removed, when the curtain drops, when the sheaths are torn asunder, the
Sadhaka shines in divine glory. He gets knowledge of the Self. The whole mysteries of Kaivalya,
the whole knowledge of the Atman are revealed like the Amalaka fruit in the hand. Unfortunately
for us, the present system of education in India thickens the veil of ignorance and stiffens the ego.
People have various motives when they work. Some work in society for getting name and
fame. Some work for getting money. Some work for getting power. Some work for getting
enjoyment in heaven. Some build temples with the idea that their sins will be washed off. Some
perform certain Yajnas for getting a son. Some dig tanks with the motive that their names will be
remembered even after they die. Some make beautiful gardens for the use of the public with the idea
that they will enjoy such lovely gardens in Svarga. Some do charity with the motive that they will be
born as rich landlords in the next birth.
He who does selfless service without expectation of fruits of any kind becomes a powerful
Yogi. A Karma Yogi knows the secret of work. He does not allow any energy to be unnecessarily
frittered away. He conserves and regulates energy. He knows the science of self-restraint. He
utilises the energy for good purposes that can bring maximum good to a great number of people.
This is skill in action which the Gita speaks of in chapter two. He develops a strong will and strong
character. One should have patience. Then only will he realise immense benefits. Generally people
are impatient and they expect Siddhis after doing a little selfless service. The real Karma Yogi who
serves people with humility and Bhava becomes the real ruler of the world. He is honoured and
respected by all. Honour comes by itself. There is a hidden power in selfless service.
“The Karma Yogi realises for himself the Atma Jnana in the course of time.” Gita: Chapter
IV-38.
“The Karma Yogi, having abandoned the fruit of action, obtains eternal peace or release
which comes of wisdom, while, he who, being prompted by desire, is attached to them, becomes
bound.” Gita: Chapter V-12.
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17. Chapter One
YOGA OF SERVICE
1. Who Is God?
God is Satchidananda (existence-absolute, knowledge-absolute and bliss-absolute). God is
Truth. God is the Light of lights. God is all-pervading intelligence or consciousness. God is
all-pervading power that governs this universe and keeps it in perfect order. He is the inner ruler of
this body and mind (Antaryamin). He is omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. He has the six
attributes of Jnana (wisdom), Vairagya (dispassion), Bala (strength), Aisvarya (Siddhis or powers),
Sri (wealth) and Kirti (fame). Hence He is called Bhagavan.
He exists in the past, present and future. He is unchanging amidst the changing phenomena.
He is permanent amidst the impermanent, and imperishable amidst the perishable things of this
world. He is Nitya, Sasvata, Avinasi, Avyaya and Akshara. He has created this world through the
three Gunas—Sattva, Rajas and Tamas—for His own Lila. He has Maya under His control.
He is Svatantra or independent. He has Satkama and Satsankalpa. He dispenses the fruits of
actions of the Jivas. He is all-merciful. He quenches the thirst of the Jivas in the form of ice and
succulent fruits. It is through His power that you see, hear and talk. Whatever you hear is God. God
works through your hands and eats through your mouth. On account of sheer ignorance and
Abhimana you have totally forgotten Him.
Nitya Sukha and Parama Santi can be had only in God. That is the reason why sensible,
intelligent aspirants attempt to have God-realisation. God-realisation can bring an end to the
ever-revolving wheel of births and deaths and bestow supreme and everlasting happiness on
mankind. This world is really a long, long dream. It is indeed a jugglery of Maya. The five senses
delude you at every moment. Open your eyes, O Prem! Learn to discriminate. Understand His
mysteries. Feel His presence everywhere as well as His nearness. Believe me, He dwells in the
chambers of your own heart. He is the silent Sakshi of your mind. He is the Sutradhara or the holder
of the string of your Prana. He is the womb of this world and the Vedas. He is the prompter of
Sankalpa. Search Him inside your heart and obtain His Grace. Then alone you have lived your life
well. Then alone you are a man. Then alone you are truly wise. Quick, quick, there is not a moment
to waste, not a minute to delay. Now is the time or never will it come. Utilise every moment in
spiritual Sadhana.
2. Yoga of Service
What is the object of Seva or service? Why do you serve the poor and the needy and the
suffering humanity at large? Why do you serve society and the country? Yes, by doing service you
purify your heart. Egoism, hatred, jealousy, the idea of superiority and all the kindred negative
qualities will vanish. Humility, pure love, sympathy, tolerance and mercy will be developed. The
sense of separateness will be annihilated. Selfishness will be eradicated. You will get a broad and
liberal outlook on life. You will begin to feel oneness and unity. Eventually you will obtain
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18. YOGA OF SERVICE
knowledge of the Self. You will realise “One in all” and “all in One”. You will feel unbounded joy.
What is society after all? It is nothing but a collection of units or individuals. The world is nothing
but a manifestation of God. Service of humanity and the country is, in fact, nothing short of service
of God. Service is worship. But one should serve with Bhava. Then alone he can have quick
realisation and purification of the heart.
The sense of separateness is a colossal fetter. Kill this sense of separateness through Brahma
Bhavana, by developing Advaitic unity of consciousness and by means of selfless service. This
sense of separateness is an illusion created by ignorance or Maya.
Develop keen enthusiasm for disinterested, selfless service. Be kind to all. Love all. Serve
all. Be tolerant and generous towards all. Serve the Lord in all. That is the way to reach the goal.
Just as a mother who has lost nine children loves the only surviving son so dearly, so also
you will have to develop boundless love for all beings. This is the first and foremost qualification
for an aspirant. The astral body of one who has this boundless love will shine with magnificent
brilliance and lustre. There will be a glow of ineffable splendour.
He who ignores his own pleasures and comforts and tries to help others always is really an
advanced student in the path of spirituality. He carries the master-key to unlock the realms of
spiritual bliss.
You must be able to think quickly and act promptly with unerring precision and profound
concentration in times of emergencies. You must take care to see that you are not rash and
impetuous. You must be cool and collected.
Many aspirants of the present-day prefer to do some pleasant work, some writing, some
collection of flowers for Puja, arranging books in the library, some typewriting, some kind of
supervision and management work, etc. They dislike works such as drawing water and hewing
wood, cleaning dirty utensils, washing clothes, sweeping, cooking, cleaning bedpans and nursing
the sick. They consider these works as menial. They have not tried to understand the real spirit of
Karma Yoga and Vedanta. They are yet Babus. They need rigorous discipline and training. I will
put these Babu-aspirants to carrying the motion-buckets of the sick for a year, washing plates for
another year, and sweeping the room and washing the clothes of the sick the third year. Then alone
they will become real aspirants. Then alone they will be ready for the commencement of
meditation.
If an Ashram is not properly conducted, the kitchen becomes a fighting centre. The whole
Maya is in the kitchen. Aspirants begin to fight there. One aspirant says: “I did not get any ghee or
vegetables today.” Another aspirant says: “The dal soup was very watery. Viswaranjan added plain
Ganga water to the soup. He dislikes me.” But if there is a really developed Karma Yogi to train the
young students, the real Advaita Vedanta begins in the kitchen of an Ashram and ends in the
Vasishtha Guha of the Himalayas. A kitchen is the best training ground or school for developing
tolerance, endurance, forbearance, mercy, sympathy, love, adaptability, and the spirit of real
service for purifying one’s heart and for realising the oneness of life. Every aspirant should know
how to cook well.
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19. PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
If one lives with his Guru, he must be prepared to do willingly any work assigned to him. If
you create interest in work which the mind revolts against, you later like to do any kind of work. By
so doing, you will undoubtedly develop your will-power.
Balance of mind brings about real lasting happiness to a disciplined man. It is not a
commodity which can be purchased on the market. It is indeed a rare gift which can only be attained
by protracted selfless service with Atma Bhava, equal vision, controlled Indriyas and self-restraint,
by developing virtues such as adaptability, broad and generous tolerance and a high degree of
endurance, serenity, calmness, control of temper and by removing anxieties, worries, fear and
depression by spiritual Sadhana and meditation. It is serenity and balance of mind that can give real,
eternal happiness to man. The wealth of the three worlds is nothing when compared to the bliss
enjoyed by that great soul who has serenity and a balanced mind. Now, tell me honestly, where is
bliss? Who is a great man? Is it in a wealthy king with an unbalanced and unbridled mind, living in a
palace, or in a poor saint with a magnificent calm and balanced mind and living in a grass hut on the
banks of the sacred Ganga?
If you want to serve another man truly, you should try to please him in all respects. You
should not do anything that pleases you only. You should do such actions as can bring him immense
happiness. This will constitute real service. But generally under the camouflage of serving others,
people try to please themselves only. This is a serious mistake. He who gives the handle of a sharp
knife to another to hold, holding the sharp blade himself does real service. A real Sevak rejoices in
suffering. He takes on his shoulders the most responsible, difficult and the most arduous and
uninteresting of works and kills his own little self just to please others. He willingly undergoes pain
and suffering in order to serve and please others.
To stop the breath by means of Kumbhaka for two hours, to twirl the beads for twenty-four
hours, to sit in Samadhi for forty days in an underground cellar without food by cutting the frenulum
linguae of the tongue and practising Khechari Mudra, to stand up on one leg in the scorching heat of
the summer sun, to do Trataka on the sun at midday, to chant Om, Om, Om in silent and sequestered
jungles, to shed an ocean of tears while doing Sankirtan—all these are of no avail unless one
combines burning love for Him in all beings and a fiery spirit of service in serving Him in all beings.
Aspirants of the present-day are sadly lacking in these two indispensable qualifications. And that is
the root cause why they do not make any headway at all in their meditation in solitude. They have
not prepared the ground, I mean the Antahkarana, by protracted practice of love and service in the
beginning. I have seen several Bhaktas in all my experiences of life in this line—Bhaktas who wear
half a dozen rosaries around their necks and wrists, and mutter Hare Rama Hare Krishna day in and
day out with a long Japa Mala in their hands. These Bhaktas will never approach a sick man even
when he is in a dying condition and give him a drop of water or milk, and ask: “What do you want,
brother? How can I serve you?” Out of curiosity they will be just looking at him from a distance.
Can you call these people true Vaishnavites or Bhaktas? Can there be an iota of real benefit in their
meditation or Bhajan? A Jinda Narayana (living Narayana) in the form of a sick patient is in a dying
state. They have not got the heart to go and serve him or even to speak a few kind and encouraging
words at a critical juncture, when his life is trembling in the balance! How can they expect to have
Darshan of that all-merciful Hari when they have hearts made of flint? How can they hope for
God-realisation when they have not the eyes to see God in all beings and the spirit of service to
serve Him in all these forms?
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20. YOGA OF SERVICE
That man who has knowledge and devotion can alone do really efficient service to the
country and the people. Jnana and Bhakti must be the rock bottom basis of Karma Yoga. Jnana can
be combined with Karma Yoga, or Bhakti Yoga can be combined with Karma Yoga in the
beginning with much advantage. The Jnana-Karma-Yogi thinks and feels that he is serving his own
Atman and realises Advaitic consciousness. The Bhakti-Karma-Yogi thinks and feels that he is
serving his Lord in all, his own Ishtam and realises God-consciousness and has Darshan of his
Beloved. Mere philanthropical work out of sympathy without devotion and knowledge is nothing
more than social scavenging. It is not Yoga or worship. It is on a lower plane. It cannot elevate a
man much. The progress is dull and slow, if progress you can call it. Remember, it is the mental
attitude or Bhava that does immense good.
A Karma Yogi who does all work in the form of worship of God in the beginning, who
surrenders his body, mind, soul and all his actions as flowers or offerings at the Lotus Feet of the
Lord, who is ever absorbed in the Lord by constant thought of God, loses himself in
God-consciousness by total self-surrender. He gets absorbed in God. His will becomes one with the
Cosmic Will. That is his last and advanced stage. He realises that whatever is going on in the world
is but the Lila of the Lord or divine sporting. He realises the truth of the utterances in the Brahma
Sutras: Lokavattu lila kaivalyam. He feels that he is one with the Lord and that he is a partner in His
Lila. He lives for Him only. He lives in Him only. His thoughts and actions are now of God Himself.
The veil has dropped. The sense of separateness has been totally annihilated. He now enjoys the
Divine Aishvarya.
A doctor who works in the hospital should think that all patients are manifestations of God.
He should think that the body is the moving temple of God and that the hospital is a big temple or
Brindavan or Ayodhya. He should think: “I am doing all my actions to please the Lord and not to
please my superiors.” He should think that God is the inner ruler (Antaryamin), that He alone
manipulates all his organs from behind, and that He is the wire-puller of the body. He should think
that He works to carry out the Divine Will in the grand plan or scheme of things. He should
consecrate all his actions at His Feet, whether they be good or bad. He should then say: Om Tat Sat
Krishnarpanamastu or Om Tat Sat Brahmarpanamastu in the end and at night when he retires to
bed. This is Jnanagni or the fire of wisdom or the fire of devotion that destroys the fruit of action,
brings about Chitta Suddhi, knowledge of the Self and final emancipation. He should never dream
even: “I have done such meritorious acts. I will get an exalted place in Svarga, etc. I will be born in
the next birth as a rich man.” By means of constant practice of this nature he will slowly get mental
non-attachment towards work. A lady, when she does her household duties, should also entertain
the above mental attitude. In this manner all actions can be spiritualised. All actions will become
worship of the Lord. A man can realise Godhead in whatever situation he may be placed in life, if
only he works with this right mental attitude.
May the great Lord, the Flute-Bearer of Brindavan, the lover of Radha, the joy of Devaki,
grant us right belief, Suddha Prem, right mental attitude and inner spiritual strength to do selfless
service to the world, and to realise Godhead even while remaining in the world, by doing
Nishkamya Karma Yoga with Narayana Bhava, by remembering Him at all times and by offering
all actions, body, mind and the soul at His Lotus Feet! May the blessings of Siva and Hari be upon
us all!
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21. PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
3. What Is Karma?
Karma means work or action. According to Rishi Jaimini, rituals like Agnihotra, Yajnas,
etc., are termed Karmas. There is a hidden power in Karma termed ‘Adrishta’, which brings in fruits
of Karmas for the individual. Karma is all in all for Jaimini. Karma is everything for a student of the
Mimamsic school of thought. Jaimini is the founder of Poorva Mimamsa. He was a student of
Maharishi Vyasa, the founder of Uttara Mimamsa or Vedanta. The Mimamsa school denies the
existence of Ishvara, who awards the fruits of works. According to the Gita, any action is a Karma.
Charity, sacrifice and Tapas are all Karmas. In a philosophical sense, even breathing, seeing,
hearing, tasting, feeling, smelling, walking, talking, etc., are all Karmas. Thinking is the real
Karma. Raga-dvesha (likes and dislikes) constitute real Karma.
4. Right and Wrong Action
Have right thinking. Use your reason and commonsense. Follow the injunctions of the
Sastras. Consult the Code of Manu or Yajnavalkya Smriti whenever you have doubts. You will be
able to find out whether you are doing right or wrong action. If you say: “Sastras are countless. They
are like the ocean. I can hardly understand the truths that are inculcated there. I cannot fathom out
and gauge their depths. There are contradictions. I am puzzled and bewildered,” then strictly follow
the words of a Guru in whom you can place absolute faith and confidence. The third way is to have
fear of God. Consult your conscience. The shrill, inner voice can guide you. As soon as you hear the
voice, do not delay even for a moment. Start the action diligently without consulting anybody.
Practise to hear the inner voice in the morning at 4 a.m. If there are fear, shame, doubt, pricking of
the conscience, and uneasiness of mind, know that you are doing wrong. If there are joy,
exhilaration and satisfaction, understand that you are doing a right action.
5. Nishkamya Karma Yoga
In the practice of Nishkamya Karma Yoga, there is no loss of effort. There is no harm. There
is no transgression also. Even a little of this knowledge, even a little practice can protect you from
great fear of birth and death with its concomitant evils. You will doubtless reap the fruits in this path
of Karma Yoga, viz., Jnana. There is no uncertainty here. Matter is indestructible. Energy is
indestructible. Even a little practice with the right mental attitude will purify the Chitta. The
Samskaras of virtuous actions are imbedded in the Chitta. They are also indestructible. They are
real, valuable assets for you. They will prevent you from doing wrong actions. They will goad you
to do selfless actions. They will push you on to the goal. Selfless works will prepare the ground of
Antahkarana for the reception of the seed of Jnana. The path of Karma Yoga eventually leads to the
attainment of infinite bliss of the Self.
Work unselfishly with disinterested spirit. Always scrutinise your motives. Your motive
should be pure. The fruits of actions vary according to the motive. Listen to this story: In Hanuman
Ghat two girls were in a drowning condition. Two young men jumped immediately into the Ganga
and rescued them. One man asked the girl to marry him. The other man said: “I have done my duty.
God gave me an opportunity to serve and improve myself.” He had Chitta Suddhi. The external
action is the same (the act of saving the life) but the motive is different. The fruits also must be
different. Never care for the fruits of your actions. But do not become a victim of sloth or inertia.
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22. YOGA OF SERVICE
Pour forth all your energies in the service of humanity, country, etc. Plunge yourself in selfless
service.
Fix your mind at the Lotus Feet of the Lord. Give the hands to work. Even when you work,
work like the typist or the harmonium player who types or plays while talking to you, like the
woman who knits and talks at the same time. Let your mind be ever attached to the Lotus Feet of the
Lord while your hands are at work. The mind of the girl who has the water-pot on her head, is on the
pot even though she talks and jokes with her comrades while walking along the road. You will be
able to do two things at a time by practice. The manual work will become automatic, mechanical or
instinctive. You will have two minds. A portion of the mind will be at work, while the rest of the
mind will be in the service of the Lord, in meditation, in Japa. Repeat the Name of the Lord while at
work also. Ashtavadhanis do eight things at a time. They play at cards, move the man in Chaturanga
play (chess), dictate some passages to a third man, talk to a fourth in order and continuation, and so
on. This is a question of training of the mind. Even so, you can so train the mind that it can work
with the hands and can remember God at the same time. This is Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga
combined.
Lord Krishna says:
Tasmat sarveshu kaleshu mamanusmara yudhya cha;
Mayyarpitamanobuddhir mamevaishyaisyasamsayam.
“Therefore at all times think upon Me and fight with mind and reason set on Me, without
doubt thou shalt come unto Me.” Gita: Chapter VIII-7.
Though the cow grazes in the pasture having been separated from the calf, her mind is
always fixed on the calf only. Similarly you should fix the mind on God when you do Japa, like the
cow, and give your hands to work, which is only worship of the Lord. Renounce all attachment. Be
balanced in success or failure, gain or loss, victory or defeat, pleasure or pain. Train and discipline
your mind cautiously. This is your master-key to open the doors of the realms of bliss. This is the
secret of Karma Yoga. This is the secret of success in Yoga. Here is also another interesting
illustration. The mind of the Ayah is always on her own child though she fondles and caresses the
child of the zamindar for the time being. The mind of the Choranari is always on her paramour
though she is busy doing her household duties at her home. Even so, fix the mind at the Lotus Feet
of the Lord and give the hands to worldly activities. You can realise God even while remaining in
the world if you adopt this method. You need not retire to Himalayan caves and forests. That is the
reason why Lord Krishna says: “Renunciation and Yoga of action both lead to the highest bliss; of
the two, Yoga of action is verily better than renunciation of action.” Gita: Chapter V-2.
If you care for the fruits of actions you will be caught up in the wheel of birth and death. You
cannot expect to attain immortality immediately or the final beatitude.
Mind is so framed that it cannot work without expectation of fruits or anticipation of
rewards for actions. If you smile when you meet your friend, you do expect a smile in return from
him. If you give a cup of water to somebody, you do expect something in return from him. If you
salute your friend on Mount Road, you expect him to salute you in return. This is the inborn nature
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23. PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
of worldly-minded people. You will have to train the mind to work disinterestedly. You will have to
tame the mind cautiously. You will have to discipline the mind with patience and perseverance.
Worldly-minded people cannot understand the spirit of Nishkamya service as their minds are
charged or saturated with impurities. Do service for sometime. Then you will grasp the spirit of
Nishkamya Karma Yoga. In the beginning all your actions may be selfish. But if you work hard in
the field of Karma Yoga for two years, five of your actions will be unselfish and ninety-five will be
selfish. Scrutinise your motives, purify them and try hard. After some years of incessant struggle,
fifty actions will become unselfish. A good time will come when all your actions, hundred per cent,
will be purely unselfish. You will become a perfect Karma Yogi like Raja Janaka. The time is not
very far if you keep up the ideal before you daily and struggle hard to reach the ideal, and if you are
sincere and earnest in your purpose.
The mind is filled with purity (Sattva) if you work without expectation of fruits, if you work
for the sake of God, if you regard work as worship or Puja of Narayana, if you dedicate all your
actions to God as Isvararpana. Feel and think that you breathe, live and work for God alone every
second of your life, and that, without Him, life is absolutely useless. Feel the pangs of separation
while at work if you forget Him even for a fraction of a second.
6. Karma Yoga: A Means to Knowledge
The practice of Nishkamya Karma Yoga destroys sins and impurities of the mind and causes
Chitta Suddhi or purity of the Antahkarana. Knowledge of the Self dawns in a pure mind.
Knowledge of the Self is the only direct means to freedom. As cooking is not possible without fire
so is emancipation not possible without knowledge of the Self. Karma cannot destroy ignorance
because they are not hostile to each other. But knowledge certainly destroys ignorance as light
destroys the thickest darkness.
You will find in the Mahabharata: “Knowledge springs in men on the destruction of sinful
Karma when the self is seen in the Self, as in a clear mirror.” Santi Parva: 204-8.
In the following passages Karma Yoga is pointed out as a means to the attainment of Atma
Jnana:
“The Brahmanas seek to know this (Atman) by the study of the Vedas, by Yajna or
worship.” Brih. Upanishad: 4-5-22.
“But without Yoga, O mighty-armed, renunciation is hard to obtain.” Gita: Chapter V-6.
“Having abandoned attachment, Yogins perform action for the purification of the self.”
Gita: Chapter V-11.
“Sacrifice, gift and also austerity are the purifiers of the wise.” Gita: Chapter XVIII-5.
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24. YOGA OF SERVICE
7. Qualifications of a Karma Yogi
A Karma Yogi should be absolutely free from lust, greed, anger and egoism. Even if there
are traces of these Doshas, he should try to remove them. He should not expect any kind of fruits for
his actions herein and hereafter. He should not have any desire for name and fame, approbation,
appreciation, thirst for applause, admiration and gratitude. He must have a spotless character. He
should try to possess this gradually. He should be humble and free from hatred, jealousy, harshness,
etc. He should always speak sweet words. How can a proud and jealous man, who expects respect
and honour from others, serve others? He should be absolutely fearless. A timid man is absolutely
unfit for Karma Yoga. He is fit to assist his wife in cleaning utensils in the kitchen in the morning
and in washing her clothes in the evening.
A Karma Yogi should have an amiable, loving, sociable nature. He should be able to move
and mix with everybody without distinction of caste, creed or colour. He should have perfect
adaptability, mercy and cosmic love. He should be sympathetic and tolerant. He should be able to
adjust himself to the habits and ways of others. He should have an all-embracing and all-inclusive
heart. He should always have a cool and balanced mind. He should have presence of mind also. He
should have equal vision. He should rejoice in the welfare of others. A man who is easily irritated
and who can be easily offended over trifling things is absolutely unfit for the path of Karma Yoga.
He should have all the organs under perfect control. He should lead a very simple life. If he leads a
life of luxury, if he wants everything for himself, how can he share his possessions with others? He
should burn his selfishness to the very root. Let me remind you once more of the words of the Gita:
Samniyamyendriyagramam sarvatra samabuddhayah
Te prapnuvanti mameva sarvabhutahite rataah.
“Restraining and subduing the senses, regarding everything equally, in the welfare of all
rejoicing, these also come to Me.” Gita: Chapter XII-4.
A Karma Yogi should have a sound, healthy and strong physical body. How can he serve
others if he has a poor physique and a dilapidated frame? He should take great care of the body, but
he should not have the least Moha or attachment for it. He should never say: “This body is mine.”
Even the jackals and fish claim: “This body is ours.” He should be ever ready to sacrifice his body
for a noble cause. He should do regular Pranayama, physical exercise and Asanas to keep up a high
standard of health. He should take good, nourishing and substantial food.
He should bear insult, disrespect, dishonour, harsh words, censure, infamy, disgrace, heat
and cold, and the pain of diseases. He should have power of endurance. He should have absolute
faith in himself, in God, in the scriptures and in the words of his Guru. Such a man only can become
a good Karma Yogi. Such a man only can do real and useful service to the country and to suffering
humanity. It is always difficult to find an ideal Adhikari. Even if you possess a few of the above
qualifications, the other qualifications will come to you by themselves, when you earnestly work in
the field of Karma Yoga. You need not be discouraged. Plunge yourself in the service of God.
Forget the body. March boldly in the field with Prem and Shraddha. Blow the bugle with the
feeling: “I must become a true Karma Yogi now.” All virtues will cling to you by themselves.
Apply yourself diligently right now from this very second. Become an ideal Karma Yogi like
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25. PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
Janaka or Buddha. May God bless you with inner strength, faith, virtues and the spirit of
self-sacrifice.
Start the work even with a little capital of some love, mercy and sympathy. Enter the field at
once. You will draw inspiration from the leaders in the field. The astral or invisible helpers, Nitya
Siddhas, Amara-Purushas and your colleagues will push you on. After sometime, you will become
a wonderful Karma Yogi. Fearlessness, humility and all other virtues will shine in you by
themselves now.
8. Work Is Worship
Work is worship. Work is meditation. Serve all with intense love without any idea of agency
and without expectation of fruits or reward. You will realise God. Service of humanity is service of
God.
Work elevates when done in the right spirit without attachment or egoism. If you are a
Bhakta (devotee), feel you are a Nimitta or instrument in the hands of God. If you adopt the path of
Jnana, feel that you are a silent Sakshi (witness) and that Prakriti does everything. All work is
sacred. There is no menial work from the highest view-point (from the view-point of the Absolute,
from the view-point of Karma Yoga). Even scavengering, when done with the right mental attitude
as described above, will become a Yogic activity for God-realisation.
It is selfishness that has deplorably contracted your heart. Selfishness is the bane of human
life. Selfishness clouds the understanding. Selfishness is petty-mindedness. Bhoga (sensual
enjoyment) increases selfishness and selfish Pravritti. It is the root cause of human sufferings. Real
spiritual progress starts with selfless service.
Serve Sadhus, Sannyasins, Bhaktas, the poor and sick people with Bhava, Prem and Bhakti.
The Lord is seated in the hearts of all.
Isvarah sarvabhutanam hriddese arjuna tishthati
bhramayan sarvabhutani yantraroodhani mayaya.
“The Lord dwelleth in the hearts of all beings, O Arjuna, and by His illusive power, causes
all beings to revolve as though mounted on a potter’s wheel.” Gita: Chapter XVIII-61.
The spirit of service must be deeply ingrained in your very bones, cells, tissues and nerves.
The reward is invaluable. Practise and feel the cosmic expansion and infinite Ananda (bliss). Tall
talk and idle gossiping will not do, my dear friends. Evince intense zeal and enthusiasm for work.
Be fiery in the spirit of service.
Have Nishtha with God and Chesta with hands like the Bahurupi who has Nishtha of a male
and Chesta of a female. You will be able to do two things at a time through gradual practice. Repeat
the Name of the Lord while at work. Karma Yoga is generally combined with Bhakti Yoga. A
Karma Yogi offers to the Lord as an oblation (Isvara Pranidhana) whatever he does through the
Karma Indriyas (organs of action).
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26. YOGA OF SERVICE
A Karma Yogi does not expect even a return of love, appreciation, gratitude or admiration
from the people whom he is serving.
In the beginning, all your Karmas may not be of the pure Nishkamya type. Some may be
Sakamya (with expectation). Some may be Nishkamya. You must be very vigilant in scrutinising
your motives during action. You must be ever introspective. By and by, when the heart becomes
purer and purer through constant work, your actions will be perfectly disinterested and selfless.
In the mind there are three Doshas, viz., Mala (impurities like lust, wrath, greed, etc.),
Vikshepa (tossing of the mind), and Avarana (veil of ignorance). Mala is removed through
Nishkamya Karma Yoga; Vikshepa by means of Upasana (worship); and Avarana by means of
study of Vedantic literature and Jnana. Karma Yoga gives Chitta Suddhi. It purifies the heart and
prepares the mind for the dawn of knowledge (Jnana Udaya).
Only he who has reduced his wants and controlled his Indriyas can do Karma Yoga. How
can a man of luxury, with his Indriyas revolting, serve others? He wants everything for himself, and
wants to exploit and domineer over others. Another qualification is that he must have a balanced
mind. He must be free from Raga-Dvesha (likes and dislikes) also. “An action which is ordained,
done by one who is undesirous of fruit, devoid of attachment, without love or hate—that is called
pure.” Gita: Chapter XVIII-23.
You must learn the secret of renunciation or the abandonment of the fruits of action. Long is
the lesson, toilsome the practice. You have to combine energy in work, with indifference to the
result of the work.
Kill ambition, kill desire of life, kill desire for comfort. Work as those work who are
ambitious. Respect life as those do who desire it. Be happy as those who live for happiness.
The reconcilement of these opposites is the secret of renunciation. All who seek power, life
of comfort, perform actions with a view to obtaining and enjoying these fruits, and they direct their
activities to this end. The fruit is the motive for exertion and the longing of it inspires the effort.
Aspirants must work as energetically as the children of this world, but they must substitute a
new motive; they work that the divine law may be fulfilled, that the divine purpose may be
promoted, that the Will of God may be carried out in every direction. This is the new motive and it is
one of the all-compelling forces; they work for God alone. Thus acting they create no Karma-bond
for it is desire that binds.
Now, the attainment of renunciation is difficult and requires prolonged and patient practice.
The probationer will begin by trying to be careless of the results brought to him personally by his
actions; he will try to do his very best and then rid himself of all feeling as to the reaction on himself,
taking equally whatever comes. If success follows, he will check the feeling of elation; if failure, he
will not permit depression to master him. Persistently he will repeat his efforts, until by slow
degrees he finds that he is beginning to care little for retards (or falls) while he has lost no whit of his
energy and painstaking in his actions. He will not seek external activities, but will do his best with
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27. PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
every duty that comes in his way and will begin to show the balanced state of mind which marks the
crowning strength and detachment of the soul.
He will hasten the attainment of these through a cool estimation of the value of the earth’s
so-called prices, and will meditate on their transitory nature, the anxiety and unrest of those whose
hearts are fixed on them, and the emptiness of them when finally grasped and held, the satiety that
follows close on the heels of possession. The intellectual appreciation of them will come to his help
in disappointment and restrain him in success, and so aid him in giving more equilibrium. Here is a
field of daily effort which will demand his energies for years.
The probationer must remember that much of his work consists in practising the precepts
laid down by all earnest religionists.
9. Yoga of Equanimity
Worldly people are generally elated by success and depressed by failure. Elation and
depression are the attributes of the mind. If you want to become a real Karma Yogi in the right sense
of the term, you will have to keep a balanced mind at all times, in all conditions and under all
circumstances. This is no doubt very difficult. But you will have to do it anyhow. Then only will
you have peace of mind and real lasting happiness. He who keeps a balanced mind is a Jnani. Karma
Yoga prepares the mind for the attainment of Jnana. That is the beauty of Karma Yoga. That is the
secret and essence of Karma Yoga.
There must not be the least attachment to any kind of work. You must be ready to leave any
work at any time. There may be a divine call upon you for certain work. You will have to take it up
at once without grumbling, whatever may the nature of the work be, whether you are willing or not.
You will have to stop it also, if conditions and circumstances demand you to do so. This is Yoga.
There is no attachment to the work here.
Many people get attached to the work. They like some kind of work and they take interest in
it. They dislike some other kind of work. They are unwilling to leave it also, if conditions want it to
be stopped. They take undue responsibility on their shoulders, pine and labour under care, worries
and anxieties. This is not Yoga at all, because there is attachment to the work owing to the quality of
Rajas. Worldly people always work with attachment. Hence they suffer. If there is a divine call, you
may start a world-wide movement. You must be prepared to stop it at any time if God wills, even
though you do not get any success here. It is not your look out to get success or failure. Simply obey
the divine call and act like a soldier on the battlefield. There is great joy in such kind of work
because there is no personal element here.
Keep the reason rooted in the Self. Have a poised mind amidst the changes of the world.
Work for the fulfilment of purposes divine. Do not expect any fruit. Do everything as Isvararpana.
Work for the welfare of the world in unison with the Divine Will. Allow the divine energy to work
unhampered through your instruments. The moment your egoism comes in, there will be immediate
blocking of the free flow of the divine energy. Make your Indriyas perfect instruments for His Lila.
Keep the body-flute hollow by emptying it of your egoism. Then the Flute-Bearer of Brindavan will
play freely through this body-flute. He will work through your instruments. Then you will feel the
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28. YOGA OF SERVICE
lightness of the work. You will feel that God works through you. You will be washed of all the
responsibilities. You will be as free as a bird. You will feel that you are quite a changed being. Your
egoism will try to re-enter. Be careful. Be on the alert. By gradual practice and purification of the
mind you will become an expert in Karma Yoga. All your actions will be perfect and selfless. All
actions will eventually culminate in Jnana. This is the Yoga of equanimity.
This kind of Yoga is inculcated by Lord Krishna in His teachings:
Yogasthah Kuru Karmani Sangam Tyaktva Dhananjaya
Sidhyasidhyoh Samo Bhutva, Samatvam Yoga Uchyate.
“Perform action, O Dhananjaya, dwelling in union with the Divine, renouncing
attachments, and balanced evenly in success and failure; equilibrium is Yoga.” Gita: Chapter II-48.
You will have to leave even such subtle attachment as: “May God be pleased.” Work merely
for the sake of the Lord. Then even eating, walking, talking, sleeping, breathing and answering calls
of nature will become Yogic activity. Work becomes worship. This is the great secret. You will
have to learn it by gradual practice in the field of Karma Yoga. You will have to spiritualise all your
actions. You will have to transmute all your actions into Yoga by practice. Mere theorising will not
do. Understand the secrets of Karma Yoga. Work unselfishly. Become a true Karma Yogi and enjoy
the infinite bliss of the Atman.
Merit and demerit, Punya and Papa, do not affect that Karma Yogi who has evenness or
equanimity of mind, for he exults not over the good fruit of the one nor worries over the bad fruit of
the other. He has equanimity of mind in success and failure. His mind is always resting in God all
the while. Works which are of a binding nature lose that character when performed with a balanced
mind. The Karma Yogi has no attachment to sensual objects. He has purified his mind by constant
selfless service. He has given up all idea of agency. He treats the body as an instrument of God,
given to him for the fulfilment of His purpose. He attributes all activities to the Divine Actor within.
He who is established in the Yoga of equanimity becomes an expert in the science of Karma Yoga.
That is the reason why Lord Krishna says:
Buddhiyukto jaha teeha ubhe sukritadushkrite,
Tasmat yogaya yujyasva yogah karmasu kausalam.
“United to the pure reason, one abandoneth here both good and evil deeds: therefore cleave
thou to Yoga; Yoga is skill in action.” Gita: Chapter II-50.
The Karma Yogi who possesses evenness of mind casts off the fruits of actions. He escapes
from good and bad births. Clinging to fruit only is the cause of rebirth. When all actions are
performed for God’s sake in fulfilment of His purpose without desire for fruit, the Karma Yogi gets
illumination. He shakes off the bondage of birth. He attains knowledge of Brahman and through
Brahma Jnana, liberation or Moksha. In the Gita you will find:
Karmajam buddhiyukta hi phalam tyaktva manishinah,
Janmabandhavinirmuktah padam gachchantyanamayam.
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29. PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
“The sages, united to the pure reason, renounce the fruit which action yieldeth, and,
liberated from the bonds of birth, they go to the blissful seat.” Gita: Chapter II-51.
10. Poised Reason
Actions which are of a binding nature lose that nature when you do them with equanimity or
evenness of mind through the help of pure reason, which has lost all attachment to sensual objects
and which is resting in the Self. You will have to cultivate and develop this pure reason and
equanimity of mind. God has given this marvellous machine to man for service of humanity and
thereby attaining an immortal life. If he uses this body for satisfaction of petty desires and selfish
ends, he becomes an object of pity and condemnation. He is caught up in the wheel of birth and
death. Rest the mind in the Self or Isvara when you perform any action. He who has developed pure
poised reason and who is resting in the Self, is quite aware that all actions are done by the Divine
Actor within (Antaryamin). He is perfectly conscious that God really operates in this body-machine
and moves this machine. This Yogi of equanimity or evenness of mind now understands fully the
fundamental principles that govern all bodily actions. He performs all actions for God’s sake in
fulfilment of His purpose without desire for fruit and eventually attains the everlasting peace.
11. Work without any Motive
Man generally plans to get the fruits of his works before he starts any kind of work. The
mind is so framed that it cannot think of any kind of work without remuneration or reward. This is
due to Rajas. Human Svabhava is always like this. When discrimination dawns, when the mind is
filled with some more Sattva or purity, this nature changes slowly. The spirit of selflessness slowly
creeps in. The quality of Rajas creates selfishness and attachment. A selfish man has no large heart.
He has no ideal. He is petty-minded. His mind is full of greed. He always calculates. He cannot do
any service in a magnanimous manner. He will say: “I will get so much money. I must put forth so
much work only.” He will weigh the work and money in a balance. He cannot do a little more work.
He will be ever watching the time for stopping his work. He is mercenary. He is hired for money. He
is actuated by the hope of reward. He is greedy of gain. Selfless service is unknown to him. He has
no idea of God. He has no glimpse of Truth. He cannot imagine of an expanded, selfless life. He has
got into a narrow, circumscribed circle or groove. He dwells within this small grove. His love
extends to his own body, his wife and children. That is all. Generosity is unknown to him.
If you expect fruits for your actions, you will have to come back into this world to enjoy
such fruits. You will have to take birth again. A Nishkamya Karma Yogi says: “Do all works
without expectation of fruits. This will produce Chitta Suddhi. Then you will get knowledge of the
Self. You will get Moksha or eternal bliss, peace and immortality.” This is his doctrine. That is the
reason why Lord Krishna says to Arjuna:
Karmanyevaadhikaraste ma phaleshu kadachana
Ma karmaphalaheturbhurma te sangostvakarmani.
“Thy business is with the action only, never with its fruits; so let not the fruits of action be
thy motive, nor be thou to inaction attached.” Gita: Chapter II-47.
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30. YOGA OF SERVICE
God dispenses the fruits of actions according to the motive. If the motive is pure, you will
get Divine Grace and purity. If the motive is impure, you will get rebirth in this Mrityuloka to reap
the fruits of your actions. Again you will do virtuous and vicious actions through the force of
Raga-Dvesha. You will be entrapped in the never-ending wheel of birth and death.
But you should not remain in a state of inertia also (Akarmani) thinking that you will not get
the fruits if you work selflessly. You must not say: “What is the use of my work now? I can not get
any fruits. I will keep quiet.” This is also bad. You will become Tamasic and dull. There will be
mental inactivity. You will get purity of mind if you work in the spirit of Nishkamya Karma Yoga.
This is a very great reward for your actions. You cannot imagine the exalted condition of a man of
pure mind. He has unbounded peace, strength and joy. He is very near to God. He is dear to God. He
will soon receive the divine light. Work without any sort of motive and feel its effects, purity and
inner strength. What an expanded heart you will have! Indescribable! Practise, feel and enjoy this
state.
12. No Loss in Karma Yoga
You do not lose anything in Karma Yoga. Even if you do a little service to the country or to
the society or to poor sick people, it brings its own advantages and benefits. It purifies your heart
and prepares the Antahkarana for the reception of knowledge of Atman. The Samskaras or
impressions of these good actions are indelibly imbedded in your subconscious mind. The force of
these Samskaras will again propel you to do some more good actions. Sympathy, love, the spirit of
patriotism and service will be developed. Nothing is lost when the candle burns.
In agriculture you may manure and plough the land. Your efforts will be rendered futile if
you do not get rain in the year. This is not the case in Nishkamya Karma Yoga. There is no
uncertainty here regarding the result of any effort. Further there is not the least chance of getting
harmed by practising this Karma Yoga. If the doctor is injudicious, if he administers the medicine in
over-dosage, some harm will certainly result. This is not the case in the practice of Karma Yoga.
Even if you do a little service, even if you practise a little Nishkamya Karma Yoga in any form, it
will save you from great fear, from the fear of Samsara and of birth and death with its concomitant
evils. That is the reason why Lord Krishna says to Arjuna:
Nehaabhikramanaasosti pratyavaayo na vidvate
Svalpamapyasya dharmasya trayate mahato bhayat.
“There is no loss of effort here, there is no harm. Even a little of this service delivers one
from great fear.” Gita: Chapter II-40.
The path of Karma Yoga, which eventually leads to the attainment of the infinite bliss of the
Self, cannot be futile.
Ignorant people say that one cannot work without any motive. It is a great pity that they have
not understood the essence and truth of Karma Yoga. Their minds are saturated with all sorts of
fantastic desires and selfishness, and as a result, their minds are very impure and clouded. They
cannot grasp the underlying truth of Karma Yoga. They judge others from their own standpoint.
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31. PRACTICE OF KARMA YOGA
Selflessness is a thing unknown to them. Their minds and brains are rendered callous and so they
cannot vibrate properly to understand what a motiveless action is. Passionate householders cannot
dream of doing any work without expecting some gain for themselves and their families.
When the thought of doing good becomes part and parcel of a man’s very being, he will not
entertain any motive at all. He takes immense delight in serving others, in doing good to others.
There is a peculiar joy and Ananda in the practice of vigorous Karma Yoga. The Karma Yogi gets
inner spiritual strength and power by performing motiveless and selfless actions.
He should understand the secret of Karma Yoga. He should plunge himself in selfless work.
He must work incessantly. He must nurse people with Atma Bhava. He must serve society in a
variety of ways. Gradually he will understand the glory and splendour of unselfish work. He will
become a changed being with divine effulgence and sweet Yogic fragrance. Many of his actions
may be selfish in the beginning of his Yogic career. It does not matter. He should not be discouraged
on this score. But, slowly when he grows in purity, some of his actions will turn out to be unselfish.
In the long run all his actions will be unselfish. He should patiently work with indefatigable energy.
He has to destroy his old mind of selfishness and build a new mind of selflessness. This is doubtless
uphill work. This demands struggle and constant effort with asinine patience and iron
determination. Selfless work elevates and brings freedom. Selfish work retards spiritual progress
and fastens one more chain to your feet. If you find it difficult to work without any motive, have one
strong motive for freedom when you work. This will not bind you. This will destroy all other lower
selfish motives and will eventually die by itself, just as the stick used in burning a dead body burns
the dead body and is itself consumed in the end. The joy of a developed Karma Yogi is really
unbounded. Words cannot adequately describe his exalted state and inward happiness.
Look at the stupendous and magnanimous work turned out by Lord Buddha, Sri Sankara
and other Karma Yogis of yore. Their names are handed down from posterity to posterity. Their
names are still remembered. The whole world worships them with reverence. Can you attribute an
iota or grain of selfish motive to their actions? They lived for doing service to others. They were
examples of absolute self-abnegation.
Expand. Purify your heart. Live in the true spirit of Karma Yoga. Live every second for the
realisation of the ideal and goal of life. Then and then alone will you realise the true glory of Karma
Yoga. Keep before you the examples of the great Karma Yogis who served mankind and thus
radiated peace, bliss and wisdom unto all.
13. Health and Yoga
What is health? It is a state of equilibrium of the three humours of the body, viz., Vata, Pitta
and Kapha (wind, bile and phlegm), wherein the mind and all the organs of the body work in
harmony and concord, and the man enjoys peace and happiness, and performs his duties of life with
comfort and ease. It is that condition in which man has a good digestion and a good appetite, normal
breathing and pulse, a good quantity and quality of blood, strong nerves and a calm mind, a sound
mind in a sound body, a free movement of bowels, normal state of urine, rosy cheeks, shining face
and sparkling eyes. It is that state in which a man jumps, sings, smiles, laughs, whistles and moves
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